Trigger warning this episode contains mature subject matter listener discretion is advised. Like an onion the human life experience has many layers on today's episode we slowly peel back the layers of the amazing life of Mike McHale. We discuss how Mike found a balance between being a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and being a Christian, being diagnosed with HIV in 1990 and nearly passing away 13 times from Aids complications, his work as a tv producer, actor and children's author. All thi...

Loosing a loved one at any age is a traumatic experience so, in recognize of PTSD awareness month and Father's Day approaching I sit down with Quendon Spellman who lost his father at age 12. We discuss the lessons of treating others how we would like to be treated, sharing favourite memories and how Quendon has used the memories of his father to excel in sports, and his goal to become an actor/model/influencer . If you would like o checkout Quendon Spellman's work his profile is available on www...

Imagine being very competitive playing sports such as powerlifting, ice hockey, and golf just to name a few then suddenly feeling pain fatigue and exhaustion to point where the only thing you can do is your job and not knowing the cause for years. Ryan Syverson this was one of the hardest challenges of his life in this episode we discuss his journey discovering he had Lyme disease and mold exposure. We also discuss his struggles with depression and moving past traumatic childhood events to becom...

There is no substitute for hard work Reginald Clark is a prime example of this as he moved from New York to Atlanta GA at 25 years old to pursue his dreams of being an actor and male model. This major life change came with a cost the loneliness and hard work caused Reginald to develop depression and at times become homeless and resorted to sleeping in his car. We discuss the importance of finding your outlet, something to help you get through dark times be it meditation, prayer or a support netw...

Born with Fused fingers on both of his hands Ryan Niemiller has always use his wit and sense of humour to see the positive side to every situation. On Todays episode we discuss the importance of listening to the needs of others with disabilities versus assuming we know them all. The importance of coming to terms with our conditions and recognizing what's possible and what's not. We also take a deep dive into the world of Stand up comedy where we discuss how cancel culture may impact performers, ...

Willam McGinn has been creating for as long as he could remember from writing the Sly Cooper book series to voiceover work, book and film reviews and so much more. Willam was born with what was thought to be Aspergers Syndrome was later diagnosed as autism , the difference between the two being those with Autism are more likely to experience communication delays while those with Aspergers Syndrome may be more socially awkward but, this varies from case to case. While there is an entire spectrum ...

Cerebral Palsy awareness month continues with fellow podcaster James Cox one of the host behind the When Words Fail Music Speaks podcast. on this episode we discuss a variety of topics including the challenges disabled people and the workforce face balancing accessibility and finances, the benefits of music and the right medication when dealing with depression, and the challenge everyone faces one day independence once we leave home. Which of these topics speak to you? Be sure to check out When ...

On today's episode I sit down with teacher, student, and blogger Sam Bronstein, as we discuss how despite growing up without many disabled individuals in her life she has an incredible desire to educate and challenge the way we think about individuals with Cerebral Palsy among other conditions. Some important questions discussed include why are some people afraid of the disabled? What are people more afraid of? The challenges that come disabilities or, showing their own vulnerability by setting ...

Lucille Seppi has always had a passion for learning whether she's preforming at a local theatre in her home of Frankfurt Germany, Scuba Diving, or pursing her degrees in Psychology and Neuroscience. Unfortunately at the age of fifteen Lucille learned how to make difficult choices as she left home to escape a bad family situation that had been going on for years causing her to develop PTSD. On this episode we talk about the importance of communication, perusing your passions, and simply taking li...

Michelle has always been a creative person wether she was writing poetry, dancing, or acting but, at the age of nineteen her life changed forever. Michelle needed to have her right arm amputated after a car accident, she briefly struggled to accept this new permanent life change and kept up writing but, with a darker edge to her work. All it takes is one person to be an example of what is possible, for Michelle her example was surfer Bethany Hamilton who returned to surfing after loosing her arm...

Becoming a parent is often one of the highlights of person's life. 2018 was the year Danny Jordan welcomed his daughter Emerson into the world. From the very beginning Danny knew Emerson would be born different as during the pregnancy doctors found she was missing a bone in one of her forearms. On today's episode we discuss how this moment inspired Danny to create The Capables children's book series, the importance of planning for the future to set your child up for success, how going to therapy...

Dyslexia, a condition that causes people to struggle with reading, pronouncing words, and writing things down these are all challenges Jason George had as a child. While dyslexia is a permanent condition through hard work, practice and the belief his family had in him Jason went on to become a teacher in a variety of subjects but, found his passion in wildlife photography Jason has gone on to photograph animals in their natural environment from all around the world for fun, educational preposses...

Despite being legally blind and being expelled from multiple schools do to undiagnosed ADHD Chris Mitchell has never allowed any labels that other have given him define who he is as a person. Chris has relied on his sense humour and the philosophy that the only opinion of you that matters is your own to become a successful blogger, author, and radio broadcaster. Chris went on to create the organization #DefineYourself an organization designed to help the disabled community to succeed. Be sure t...

Pain is something we all deal with in life and we can take it head on or we can find ways to block it out or soothe it. For a long time Tom Regehr tried to soothe his pain with alcohol and drugs to the point where it didn't matter to him whether he lived or died. Living might not have mattered to Tom but, it did matter to his family and many of the colourful characters he met along the way by simply reaching out and saying they cared Tom realized there was more to look forward to in life. Tom ha...

On today's episode I sit down with Will Braid a man who has gone on to become an author of ten children books, a husband, and father of three all while living with bipolar disorder. We discuss the importance of kindness and how simply asking the question "are you ok? Can help save a life, how no matter who we are all of us have our own challenges to deal with and even though they are a part of us they aren't what define us. #Kindness #Areyouok? #Smashstigma #Yournotalone Be sure to check out Wil...

Structure, routine, self-accountability; these are just some of the many things I discuss with Jacqueline Johnson, a women who successfully raised four children while dealing with high anxiety, depression and in later years alcoholism. After committing herself to the advice of mental health professionals her mindset improved over time and she began appreciating small victories like taking a shower and being out in the sunshine. Jacqueline has now been sober and off medication for a year. Jacque...

On Today's episode I sit down with Author, Podcaster and Cerebral Palsy Advocate Tylia Flores as she shares her journey on how she published her first book at 16. We talk about our shared experience on living with CP on a daily basis, how listening to music and writing our thoughts down can be beneficial for our mental health, dream guests that we would like to have on our podcasts, and most important our shared goal of educating, inspiring, showing the world that when it comes to what people wi...

At the age of eight Rebekka Lien and her family emigrated from Taiwan to America, but the American dream soon became a nightmare as her father left and her mother became emotionally distant. These events caused Rebekka to build emotional barriers around herself as she was afraid of losing what relationships she had. All it took to change her life was the need to laugh. After taking acting classes, Rebekka went on to star in commercials, game shows, and reality television. On today's episode...

2019 was a tough year for many people but, for Zelda Black 2019 was a year of discovery when she realized that she could turn her talent of voice imitation into a career in the voiceover industry. Since then Zelda has gone on to become an author, content creator, and mental health advocate. on this episode we discuss the challenges she has faced in the industry being of mixed ethnicity and the importance of realizing that you should be who you want to be and don't change for anyone else. You can...

From day one Andre Matthews has been a fighter. From being born prematurely with only one lung and spending much of childhood at home, Andre has always had a desire to see more of the world. At 19 he joined the US army, 8 years later Andre is the host of the true crime podcast Bruh Issa Murder focusing on cold cases with individuals of color. We discuss army life, traveling the world from Ireland to Qatar and all points between. For the month of #Remembrance we encourage you to support your loc...

Ever since high school, Darlene Williams-Prades has always enjoyed helping others. Whether she's officiating a wedding, providing advice to students as a life coach or serving her country in the air force she aproaches everything with enthusiasm and passion. We discuss the importance of #selfdiscipline with responsibilities, the importance of #meditation and dedicating time for yourself. Although technologies change, the human experience is the same for all of us. If your looking for a life co...

Michelle Sokol, from the very beginning has had a passion to learn, from being able to read a full chapter book in first grade to gaining various degrees including her undergraduate degree in English with a minor in Child Development and Family Studies from Baldwin-Wallace University and attained her Master's Degree in Library Information Science, where she specialized in Public services for Children and Youth. Michelle is the Executive Director of Beyond Light and Love Nonprofit, a local nonpro...

Horses and humans have been working together for centuries in many capacities from transport, to farm work and eventually becoming wonderful pets. After years of working with horses and youth mental heath separately Jennifer Martin decided to combine the two to form Walkabout Therapeutic Riding Association a non-profit equine therapy farm designed to help children and adults grow in confidence and social skills. This week we discussed the process for finding the right horse for the job and how ...

Jay Hicks's journey began growing up in an impoverished area dealing with gynecomastia and bullying ;however, this never stopped Jay from working hard at a variety of jobs even creating a motivational six figure cheque to display in his office. Once Jay achieved the goal of a six figure salary instead of being happy he felt uncertain about what to do next. After much thought and meditation on the issues of society Jay decided to create The Tragedy Academy Podcast to created a judgment free zone...